Michele is a Senior Landscape Ecologist at The Wilderness Society. Michele holds a B.S. in biology from the University of Georgia and a M.S. in forest and landscape ecology from the University of Massachusetts. Her thesis investigated how landscape changes from a natural fire regime influence wildlife habitat dynamics on Colorado's San Juan National Forest.

For this study, a landscape simulation model (fire processes and forest succession), wildlife habitat suitability models, and several landscape metrics were used to determine a spatial and temporal range of natural variability in habitat for four wildlife species.

Her 16 years of research experience in the Rocky Mountains range from field studies on fire, forests and wildlife, to landscape-level (GIS) studies that focus on the effects of natural fire and logging processes over time, and landscape fragmentation/habitat connectivity issues due to roads.

Michele’s current work continues to focus on forest restoration and landscape fragmentation.

In her spare time, Michele enjoys hiking, biking, snowboarding, and exploring the mountains of Idaho.

Recent Publications:

Assessing the value of roadless areas in a conservation strategy
Reconnecting the Landscape